Round-the-Clock Purple and Gold

Q Score reveals Kobe Bryant slightly more disliked than LeBron James

September 14, 2010 | 4:29
pm

The comparisons between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James never end. They start with their play, despite Bryant winning five more championships than James' zero. They continue with their personality: Bryant holds an uber competitive streak that for better, propels him to accomplish unthinkable things, and for worse, alienates himself from the rest of society. James presents a joyous demeanor that for better, lightens the mood for those around him, and for worse, feeds into his constant need in feeling self-absorbed. And it apparently ends with their likability: CNBC's Darren Rovell reported The Q Scores company's latest findings, which say fans list James as the sixth-most disliked athlete while Bryant stands in fifth place.

It's an interesting revelation considering Bryant jumped from fourth to a first-place tie with Tiger Woods as the favorite American sports star, according to the findings of a Harris Interactive Poll, while James dropped from third to sixth.

So what to make of it? Well, first off it's clear that very few people were fans of James' "The Decision." Regarding Bryant, I wrote at the time regarding the Harris Poll that his jump in popularity coincides with winning two consecutive titles, displaying his dogged work ethic and lightening up a little after numerous events (Colorado, Shaq, trade demands, first-round playoff exits) fueled his image as angry and narcissistic.

Obviously, some of that perception still exists, as indicated by the Q Score. But it also reflects the sentiment that fans outside the Lakers have no reason to like him. Bryant's been way past the stage where he's a divisive figure. And when you look at the other names on the list -- Woods, Michael Vick, Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco - it's apparent that he doesn't have nearly the same baggage as the aforementioned athletes.

--Mark Medina

E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo: LeBron James' Q Score has taken a hit since going on an hour-long special with ESPN to announce he was joining the Miami Heat. Credit: David Maxwell / EPA